How to Avoid Common Heating Problems This Fall

No one wants to have trouble with their heating system, especially as the fall season turns colder. Homeowners in Murfreesboro, TN, can stay ahead of common heating issues by taking a few proactive measures. A quick heating tune-up, filter change, and thermostat check now can save headaches, money, and chilly nights later on too.

Here are ways in which you can stay ahead of common heating issues as the fall season approaches.

Filter Replacements

Your simplest and most cost-effective solution to problems with your heating system is to ensure that the filters are clean. All heating systems have at least one filter that cleans air before it enters the intake. Your HVAC may also have an air purification system, and it is a good idea to check the filters on it as well.

Make sure you’re matching the right kind of filter to your system. Many furnaces use fiberglass or pleated filters. Homeowners sometimes choose high-grade HEPA filters, hoping to improve indoor air quality. This is not recommended. A furnace built for standard filters can experience restricted airflow if fitted with a filter that’s too dense. Restricted airflow can cause overheating, reduced efficiency, and even system damage. If you have air quality concerns, talk with us about pairing your HVAC system with a separate air purifier.

You should replace the standard air filters on your heating system at least every three months. But, if you’re not familiar with the system, such as after you moved into a house, check the filter every month. Households with lots of pets may need a more frequent filter replacement schedule. Local conditions like greater air pollution can also drive the need for more replacements. If your HVAC has air purification, those filters usually need replacement once every six to twelve months.

Thermostat Calibration

A heating system may drift over time, with some models being several degrees off from the set temperature. Ideally, accuracy should be within 1–2 degrees. Many modern thermostats allow calibration within this range. Our technicians can check the air temperature around the thermostat to ensure that the sensors match actual conditions. If there is a difference, we can recalibrate the thermostat.

Fall is also a good time to verify that nothing is throwing off your thermostat’s readings. People move things around their homes during the summer, and sometimes furniture or drapes block the vents nearest the thermostat. This can also lead to inaccurate readings. Even something as simple as a curtain hanging over a vent can have a surprising influence.

Fan Settings

Most thermostats include a fan setting with options like “Auto” or “On.” If the fan is set to “On,” it will run continuously and may blow room-temperature air even when the heating system isn’t producing heat. Before you call us about the system blowing only cold air, check your thermostat’s fan setting.

Carbon Buildup

The burning process in a typical fuel-based heating system, like a natural gas furnace, can create a layer of carbon deposits. Over time, this accumulates on internal components such as burners, thermocouples, or flame sensors. This buildup can cause the pilot light to extinguish or reduce heating efficiency. Left unaddressed, it may even contribute to safety risks.

We check for carbon buildup as part of our annual heating inspection process. If necessary, our technicians can clean contaminated components to improve operation. Depending on your household’s heating usage, this may be necessary every year.

Signal Issues

Your thermostat and heating system have a handful of components that need to communicate over wiring. Signal issues can develop because of damaged or loosened wiring. We always check the signal integrity during a fall inspection. A damaged component may also prevent signals from triggering. A failure in the thermostat or the heater’s control unit can lead to problems. These are usually straightforward replacement projects for our technicians.

Damaged Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger isolates the combustion process from the air that warms your house. Your heating system warms the exchanger, which in turn transfers the heat to the ductwork. Heating and cooling cycles cause expansion and contraction. This can harm the materials inside the heat exchanger. Heat exchangers can also corrode from humidity, especially during the humid summers in Tennessee.

Cracks and holes in a heat exchanger are serious problems. They lower performance and efficiency and raise the risk of fumes entering your home’s living areas. Checking the heat exchanger is a standard part of our annual inspection, and we can replace a damaged one.

Safety Shutoffs

All heating systems have safety shutoffs that trigger when the unit operates outside of safe conditions. For example, a system with poor airflow due to a clogged filter might run a short cycle and then experience a safety shutoff. The reason is that the lack of airflow causes heat to build up inside the combustion chamber. Once the temperature reaches the manufacturer’s safety limit, the unit shuts itself down to prevent damage.

Safety shutoffs also happen when the system isn’t confident about the flow of gas. Electrical malfunctions can trigger shutoffs as well. If your heating system has suffered a shutoff or is going through short cycles, ask one of our technicians to check it.

Noises, Smells, and Vibrations

Heating systems have plenty of moving parts that, at times, can lose lubrication. When this happens, you may smell burning odors, feel vibrations, or hear odd noises. Fans and blower motors are the most frequent causes. Lubricating the moving parts during an annual inspection is the best way to prevent these problems.

Not all smells are distinct. Musty smells may suggest that your HVAC system needs better dehumidification to prevent mold growth. While a little funk from buildup is normal during the first couple of heating cycles in the fall, the smell should go away.

Also, be aware that gas smells are a sign of danger from gas leaks. Loud bangs or thumps during the start of a heating cycle may indicate delayed ignition, which requires immediate professional service. Turn the heating system off right away and contact us. If the smell is strong, leave the house for safety until the system is checked.

A/C Plus Heating & Cooling helps customers in Murfreesboro, TN, and nearby areas find comfort at home. We do heating installations, repairs, and maintenance. We offer 24/7 emergency service because a home without heat can be dangerous. Our business, owned and operated in the community, has been around since 1997. Our licensed technicians are prompt and friendly. We aim for 100% customer satisfaction with every service we provide.

Worried about heating issues in your Murfreesboro home? Contact A/C Plus Heating & Cooling today!